A Day To Remember

In these States, United, (I've been watching the
HBO John Adams series), we are honoring our fallen
heroes of war.  There have been wars supported
and questioned during our country's life, and it
would be interesting to see what would have been
the legacy of the War for Independence had the
outcome been different.

I think public sentiment/patriotism has evolved
into "policy" and "sacrifice".  At least during
this unpopular war we still honor those fallen. 
Thankfully we have learned something from The War
of my childhood.  While my father did not die in
battle, he is now a deceased veteran, and so it is
a "first" for me.

In honor of his service to our country,
I give you this....

TO THE MEMORY OF THE BRAVE AMERICANS

Under General Greene, in South Carolina,
who fell in the action of September 8, 1781

AT Eutaw Springs the valiant died;
Their limbs with dust are covered o'er--
Weep on, ye springs, your tearful tide;
How many heroes are no more!

If in this wreck or ruin, they
Can yet be thought to claim a tear,
O smite your gentle breast, and say
The friends of freedom slumber here!

Thou, who shalt trace this bloody plain,
If goodness rules thy generous breast,
Sigh for the wasted rural reign;
Sign for the shepherds, sunk to rest!

Stranger, their humble graves adorn;
You too may fall, and ask a tear;
'Tis not the beauty of the morn
That proves the evening shall be clear.--

They saw their injured country's woe;
The flaming town, the wasted field;
Then rushed to meet the insulting foe;
They took the spear--but left the shield.

Led by thy conquering genius, Greene,
The Britons they compelled to fly;
None distant viewed the fatal plain,
None grieved, in such a cause to die--

But, like the Parthian, famed of old,
Who, flying, still their arrows threw,
These routed Britons, full as bold,
Retreated, and retreating slew.

Now rest in peace, our patriot band,
Though far from nature's limits thrown,
We trust they find a happier land,
A brighter sunshine of their own.

Dad, Memorial Day 2007

5 Is A Good Run

5 months is a large part of your life when it's the middle of your senior year in high school. Emma and Matt had a great time together for most of their senior year. A few weeks ago, they both decided that because of the upcoming college departures it was time to redefine their relationship. All things considered, it has been another maturing step for my daughter, and I know she continues to be prepared for adulthood and a future life partner with the lessons she has learned. So, Matt Damon-look-alike, blessings to you at graduation time.

Emma and Matt at the Debutante Ball this past December

5 years is a larger part of anyone's life. It is the time from birth to the first day of kindergarten. It is a half decade. It is the amount of time I have been an Associate Director and the accompanist at Riverview High School. It appears to have run its course, and is definitely another relationship in our household in the process of being redefined.

The long-time director, Betty Mullett, is in the process of retiring, and the future reigns of leadership is still uncertain. My previous experience has taught me that directors like bringing their accompanists with them...

Last evening we said good-bye to our choir seniors and celebrated another choir year. It was bittersweet for me in many ways.

Laura and Emma posing for Mom

Renaissance's Head Table strike one more pose

Laura with friends Chelsea, Annie, Vi-Vi having fun

I am not at a point in my life where I am content to allow my course to be determined by the current. This morning, Garland and I were discussing my interests apart from Riverview. I look forward to going back to school, sewing, decorating a soon-to-be vacant bedroom-about-to-be a new space for me!...and of course still teaching in the private sector.

I do know that my annual routine will definitely change. I'm excited for what the next year holds, and am grateful for what I have learned about myself through this experience.
********
We are in the throws of graduation week, and to kick it off, Laura found out she was accepted into the honors choir at RHS! It appears there will be another renaissance dress in the making...

...and sweet Katy comes home in 4 days to help celebrate! YEA!!

To Tell the Truth

My name is Matt Damon.

MY name is Matt Damon.

Will the real Matt Damon please stand up.

Last weekend, Emma and Matt had their senior portraits taken by my cousin, Paul. Besides a great weekend with family, this was a topic of conversation....

So, is Matt Nations, Emma's boyfriend, a look-alike to Matt Damon?

Remembrances and Reunions

This past weekend was bittersweet. I think the photos speak for themselves, but I will add that the most rewarding part for me was to have my family spend time with my Dad's side for the first time in their memory. I grew up with wonderful Carlson Family times, and at last Garland, Katy, Emma, and Laura understand who these special people are. They think they're special, too!

Dad should have been here.

Enjoy the photo anthology...

Sleeping in Nana's bed after the trip

Uncle Art and Shari

Dinner at Charleston Crab House

Uncle John

Granddaughters

Flowers for Dad

Family Times Remembered

Military Keepsakes

Shari and Aunt Carolyn

Navy Personnel Rehearsing Flag Presentation

Remembering Dad

Presentation of Flags

Uncle Art and Uncle John sing "Beyond The Sunset"

American Legion Gun Salute

Taps

Who Needs Fleet Week in NYC?!!

Carlson Family

Nancy Carlson Family

Balcony Overview

Uncle Ed and Laura at Luncheon